Systems and methods for grid operating systems in electric power systems

A distribution automation applications network, comprising:

• a first intelligent node comprising a hardware and software platform, with data processing and communications functionality, said first intelligent node being integrated or embedded with a grid component selected from the group consisting of:
• a distributed energy resources controller, a distributed information resource interface, a sensor, a metering collector, a smart meter, a switch controller, a recloser, a substation intelligent electronic device, a computing device at a utility network operations center, a voltage regulator, a component implementing a different grid operating system;
• a second intelligent node comprising a hardware and software platform, with data processing and communications functionality, said second intelligent node being integrated or embedded with a grid component selected from the group consisting of:
• a distributed energy resources controller, a distributed information resource interface, a sensor, a metering collector, a smart meter, a switch controller, a recloser, a substation intelligent electronic device, or a computing device at a utility network operations center, a voltage regulator, a component implementing a different grid operating system;
• the first intelligent node and the second intelligent node being in communication with each other;
• the first intelligent node and the second intelligent node each implementing a part or whole of a grid operating system comprising one or more software applications for automated and supervisory monitoring, control, protection, and optimization of an electric power system with embedded distributed energy resources and distributed information resources;
• a network modeler, an online power flow component, and an optimizer;
• wherein said online power flow component comprises logic for performing online three-phase balanced or unbalanced AC power flow calculations;
• wherein said optimizer is configured to use said network modeler to optimize said AC power flow calculations of said online power flow component and wherein said first intelligent node and said second intelligent node are configured to use optimized AC power flow calculations to perform grid control to manage connection and operation of said embedded distributed energy resources in said electric power system;
• whereby the grid operating system both manages the grid via said grid control and facilitates the integration of distributed energy resources and distributed information resources in an electric power system.